How Items are Salvaged From Fire Damage

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help restore Fine Art that is damaged in a Fire

Certified SERVPRO Technicians Can Evaluate What Items Can Be Restored and What Needs to be Replaced

When a fire strikes, it is often far more than just the burned out region that suffers damage in a home. Fires create debris, smoke, ash, and end up touching almost every part of a house and even sometimes neighboring properties. Damage can sometimes be merely cosmetic, requiring little more than a little cleaning, however, more often than not heavy equipment must be brought in to truly rid a property of all traces of the fire.
 
Windows, Mirrors, and Smooth Surfaces
 
Smooth surfaces such as windows and mirrors are often one of the easiest types of Wrightsville Beach fire damage to clean up. Typically, only one side of a window will need cleaning, and this can be accomplished with simple mops, soap and water, and sanitizing materials. One should always be careful to shield the eyes, nose, and mouth when cleaning soot off, however, as it may be harmful to the body if it enters any of those regions.
 
Electronics
 
Electronics are often a loss in a fire, unfortunately. Soot and ash can work their way into the internals of electronics, and it is difficult if not impossible to clean out the internals of most electric devices. If a device is not initially working, there is often little chance it can be recovered, although SERVPRO teams will always evaluate what can be done.

Smoke Damage
 
Smoke odors can often remain in a home long after a fire has been otherwise cleaned up, serving as a constant reminder of past damage. To prevent this, heavy industrial deodorization equipment must be used. These machines, typically ULV or thermal foggers, can clear an entire room at a time of embedded smoke particles and smell.
 
Fine Art
 
Another common concern homeowners have is for their fine art and paintings. It is difficult to clean smoke and soot from a painting without damaging the valuable art lying underneath, and such work typically requires the careful hand of a specialized conservator or art restorer. SERVPRO contracts a number of qualified individuals for this purpose, and you should typically be able to fully restore art that has not been burned.
 
SERVPRO of New Hanover is a locally owned and run company that employs trained and competent cleanup crews to help homeowners with any disaster that comes their way. If you require the services of a professional cleanup and restoration company, please don't hesitate to contact us at (910) 762-8180 for 24/7 service and advice.